One of the most important factors in obtaining a very good growing cannabis plant that also yields bountiful harvests is the root system. Only when it is healthy and strongly developed can the plant reach its full potential. Under the surface of the growing medium, the plants get their strength. A tangle of roots stores sugars and carbohydrates and transports the required nutrients and minerals up into the plant. The roots have millions of tiny, thin hairs that absorb the water and minerals from their surroundings. The root system directs the needed minerals into the plant to the leaves, which produce sugars and carbohydrates during photosynthesis, giving the plant energy and food. This means that the bigger and more branched the root system is, the more nutrients the plant can absorb or convert and the stronger and bigger it will eventually grow.
In the root zone, moisture, temperature and oxygen content directly influence root growth. It is very important to realise that the roots take up oxygen, while the rest of the plant needs CO2 (see also: Increasing yields with CO2 and oxygen). When growing indoors, it is therefore important to use pots that allow a good oxygen supply. Outdoors, a planting hole with good, airy soil should be used. Soil and the soil should be loosened regularly so that it remains airy.
How does the root system work?
When carbohydrates have been produced in the upper part of the plant during photosynthesis, they are sent to the roots to be stored. The more energy the roots have stored, the more nutrients they can send back to the leaves, which in turn use them for photosynthesis. This is a cycle that, when everything fits together, leads to excessive plant growth. If the plants are also properly trimmed (see Pruning, Fimming, Super Cropping), the stored energy can be channelled more into the buds during the flowering phase and they produce more resin (see also : 5 methods to increase yields).
For the same reasons, the quality of the growing medium is very crucial. The less energy the roots have to expend to spread, the more they can use this energy to guard themselves and supply the plant. The root zone is also where most of the water is absorbed, 99% of which is transported through the leaves to the top. The best plants are therefore special airy Grow media that can also store enough moisture without getting too wet.
4 tips for healthy roots
1. oxygen:
Make sure that enough oxygen gets into the root zone. The roots need oxygen to convert stored carbohydrates into energy, which is important for nutrient transport. It is therefore best to use special pots, such as the Air-Pot and do not overwater your plants so that there is always enough oxygen in the medium.
2nd temperature:
The roots grow mainly at night, when the upper part of the plant has reduced its activity. Since roots develop best in warmth, you should make sure that the plants are also warm at night. A night temperature of 21-23°C is ideal. Especially after germination or in the case of cuttings, it has proven to be Heatable greenhouses This has proven to be very effective, as the roots become very strong right from the start.
3. pot structure
If possible, it should be avoided that the roots grow into each other. If they cannot spread sufficiently in the pot, they should be allowed to expand into the air. Pots such as the Ventipot or Airpot prevent the roots from "strangling" themselves.
4. More air
The top third of the roots in the pot is specialised in absorbing oxygen, while the bottom third is responsible for water absorption. Therefore, be careful not to overwater your babies, especially in the upper part of the roots. Otherwise the oxygen-absorbing roots will drown and the plant may even die. Roots should always be bright white and crisp.
